Bats are an endangered mammal that needs to be protected. You can actively contribute to this. We have 2 tips for you.
Bats are very useful animals. For example, they eat hundreds of insects almost every night and thus help in agriculture. Why? Quite simply: since bats eat harmful beetles that would otherwise destroy the trees or plants, less poison has to be used against the insects. That's why it's imperative that we protect these endangered mammals.
Difference between house bat and forest bat
But before we turn to the protective measures, we would first like to clarify the distinction between house bats and forest bats. While the so-called house bat likes to be near people - for example in attics or in roller shutter boxes, bird nest boxes, old cellar vaults, etc. - the forest bat is quite shy and therefore usually only found in forest areas. Therefore, it is far easier for us humans to support the house bat, especially during its hibernation.
By the way: Most people hardly notice the bats as roommates and often confuse their small droppings with mouse droppings. However, if you have discovered a bat roost in your garden, you should definitely keep a sufficient distance from the little animals.
Tips for protecting bats
Tip 1 - create a species-rich garden:
The more species-rich you design your garden, the more insects will romp around in it and the easier it will be for bats to find enough food. Above all, nocturnal perennials and shrubs attract insects at night, which in turn can be described as an ideal feeding place for nocturnal bats. The following are therefore ideal for planting in the garden:
- Evening scented campion (also for the meadow), evening campion, gold lacquer, royal lilies, soapwort, chicory and willowherb (summer flowers)
- Apple roses, evening primroses and phlox
- Mint, sage, chives, lemon balm and wild marjoram (herbs)
- Evergreen (groundcover)
- Trees such as elderberry, privet, viburnum,Buddleia
- Orchards
Tip 2 - Hang up bat nest boxes:
In the trade (e.g. here) you can buy so-called bat nesting boxes. You can hang them up on trees, for example. But then please at a height of at least 3 meters, preferably 5 meters. However, you can also hang these nesting boxes on sheltered house gables and other buildings.
Alternatively, you can of course also offer the animals a bird nest box. But then you have to close the conventional entry hole and drill a new, very small hole from below, because bats can climb up. This measure also offers the bat optimal protection against other animal enemies.
Bat nesting boxes should be cleaned thoroughly in the spring (after the animals have hibernated) so that no germs can spread in them. The bats can then use the nesting box as summer quarters and raise their young in it.